Have you ever thought, “why does praying have to be so complicated?”
As believers, prayer should be as simple and instinctive as breathing, but for many that’s not the case.
Stressing over prayers was never God’s intention for His children. We can get all tongue-tied and nervous, wondering if we are praying the right way.
We complicate our prayer life by trying to follow formulas that seem perfect in theory, but leave us feeling inadequate and uncertain.
One of the most powerful prayers ever spoken was when Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Jesus said:
“Father, I thank you that you have heard me. I knew that you always hear me, but I said this on account of the people standing around, that they may believe that you sent me.” John 11:41b-42 (ESV)
Simple. Prayer.
And in His next breath, Jesus cried out in a loud voice saying, “Lazarus, come out” and the man who was dead for four days walked out of the tomb alive.
Effective. Prayer.
Look at what Matthew 6:6-8 says:
When you pray go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
God loves to meet you in the quiet places. Tucked away from the noise and chatter. All alone with Him. Sharing your thoughts and requests with pure motives and uncomplicated words.
He sees you. He listens to you. He rewards you.
Your words don’t have to be fancy or super lengthy (unless we have a lot to share with Him), but they must be genuine. Why? Because your Heavenly Father already knows what you need before you ask him. He is ready and eager to respond to your requests.
Remember, it’s not your words that make your prayers powerful and effective. It’s the One you are praying to that releases the power in your life and circumstances.
But why is it that sometimes people pray simple prayers and experience incredible breakthroughs while others pray gut-wrenching prayers and don’t receive the requests they long for?
I’ve experienced both situations and I’ll be honest, it’s hard when the answers don’t come like you hope they would. I sure you know exactly what I mean.
Today I’m sharing a story on Encouragement For Today about a simple prayer that God answered right away. But, there have been times … many time when I’ve prayed gut-wrenching prayers and the answers didn’t come as quickly or clearly as I had hoped.
What do we do then? Do we shake our fists at God and say, “You’re not being fair!” Do we point at others and say, “God, look how you said yes to her. So why aren’t you saying yes to me?”
No. Instead, we remember that our Heavenly Father is all-knowing and knows what is best for us.
We trust Him despite what our circumstances temporarily look like.
We have faith that He will make a way where there seems to be no way.
We press into His presence with an open heart, instead of moving away from Him with a heavy heart, so that He can comfort us.
We believe that His promises are true as we wait on His perfect timing and plans.
Are you struggling in your prayer life? Today I’m giving away a copy of Julie Gilles’ book, Prayers for a Woman’s Soul. Enter this week’s drawing by leaving a comment below.
You can also check out my devotion, When My Prayers Seem Trivial, which is available today on the Proverbs 31 Ministries website.
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Stay awesome and have amazing weekend,
Gloria says
Thank you so much for your inspirational devotions.And for the reminder that prayer is the key for everything.That a simple conversation with God done with humbleness and from the heart is all I need to get through my day.Becoming a widow,and not having a steady income ,lead me to lean on God and put him fist in all that I do.God is my refuge and my strength,and I have learned that I can come to him at anytime ,boldly and with no fear.May God continue blessing you and guiding you in all that you do.Thank you for sharing your amazing devotional with us.with much love and respect…Gloria
Renee says
Thank you, Leah, for sharing your thoughts on prayer.
Judy Alden says
Thank you so much for this message, it is so important!
Rebecca N says
I hope to be a prayer warrior one day.
Faye Hardin says
Prayer is powerful. Such a wonderful message. Thank you for the reminder to keep it simple.
Joy says
Thanks immensely for this wonderful message. It came just at the right moment in my life. I have shared it with all my friends and family and I can tell you that God is using you to bring us all closer to him. Remain ever Blessed.
Lonnette Miller says
I truly love this post. I am literally researching prayer in more ways than most. I’m reading every book and blog and watching many sermons online, but this made it very simple for me and it also settled my nerves and relaxed my spirit, so as I pray, literally after writing this post, I’m going to do it simply. Thank you so much.
Ann says
Thank you for the reminder to pray about the small stuff also!
Trish says
Learning when to ‘WHOA’ & when to ‘GO’…🙏🏼🌈
Rebecca says
Thank you for sharing this message. I needed to hear this today and be reminded to press into His presence with an open heart, and take everything to Him.
Crystal says
Thank you for this needed reminder today!
Elisabeth says
Thank you for these encouraging words that God is listening to me and wants to hear my prayers. I pray that I push into Him more, even when it seems like all I hear is silence.
Heather Craft says
This week I am praying for strength and courage to change in ways I know I must.
Larissa says
Amen! Excellent reminder to bring everything to Him. Also, great example of how to be an example of that for our children. Thanks for sharing!
Brittany F says
Today I am praying for direction. Over the next few months I have to make some big career decisions. I also have to decide what type of care is best for my father. I pray desperately for my little sister, her son, and my mom. God, I know that you are in control.
karen says
I’m 42 & was just diagnosed with breast cancer. I know I’ll be fine and that with basic treatments I’ll be around for my 2 young girls and husband. It’s small and totally treatable. I am able to say – and believe – God is good. But I did let my thoughts wander last night looking into the side effects. And i cried for the 1st time. And i cried more this morning. I’m not scared of dying, I’m scared of the inconvenience my treatment will bring to me and my family. I read this devotional this morning. Thank you for the timely verse. I will Call out to the Lord and he will answer me. I must remember this, daily. I know He will help me. And I’ll be fine.
TallulahJane says
Giving God the glory involves us going to Him with our prayers. I feel the connection when I do talk to Him about things no matter how small they may be.
Cynthia says
Thank you for reminding us to lift our concerns up to God in prayer. It’s not always an easy thing to do.
Sarah Milligan says
I pray that I may be free from chains that bind me. A childhood that I want free from. A lifestyle I need to forgive myself for leading.
Thank you
Rosa says
Sarah, your words touched me. I will be praying for your spiritual healing. Keep in mind that no matter your past lifestyle, if you come whole heartily and ask God for forgiveness, then believe as you invite Jesus into your heart..AT THAT MOMENT HE WILL NOT ONLY FORGIVE YOU…BUT HE WILL NO LONGER REMEMBER YOUR PAST! Then, and only then can He start the healing and breaking of all chains in your life. Because then….you will be HIS child and He will let you experience the real true love that only He offers. God bless you, Sarah, as you begin to read the Bible and begin to grow in your faith. Please start with the book of John, discover the Person of Jesus, and be blessed!
Shannon N says
I often struggle with the “verbiage” – am I saying the right things in the right order sort of idea. I feel I need a checklist or a manual but then feel bogged down when I try that approach because then doubts and nagging thoughts about leaving some key step out weigh me down – there’s nothing uplifting or worshipful about that! Thank you for the reminder that it isn’t about what I say or how I say it, it is all about to and with whom I am conversing.
Mary says
Prayer is powerful. Thank you for the reminders that simple prayers can still be effective. Keep the main thing, the main thing–Just PRAY!!!!
Rebecca n says
Prayer is just amazing!
Janet says
The topic of prayer has been on my mind so much of late. I feel this is a part of my relationship with God that can vastly improve not only for myself but on the behalf of others. This has become ever so clear to me these last 5 days. On Wednesday evening my 31 year old niece passed away. She was much more than my “niece”. She has a 10 month old son that is a true miracle because she was told she would never have a child. I had to call to tell a youth leader that I work with that I wasn’t going to be able to attend our youth meeting and was very distraught. She comforted my beyond measure by having me take a breath and then she just started praying for me and my family. I could feel the power of that prayer beyond measure. I want to pray like that.
Linda N says
I just wrote in my journal today about how I share my prayer requests with others fully confident they will pray for them, yet I don’t spend much time in prayer about them myself. I readily pray for others’ prayer requests but not my own. Something I plan to change. Thanks for the chance to win a copy of Prayers for a Woman’s Soul.
Michelle says
What a friend we have in Jesus,
all our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
everything to God in prayer!
Jennifer says
Great reminder that we just need to pray. Not worry about the words. Just talk to God like you do to your family or friend, because He is our Father and our best friend.
Nay Gelvin says
Todays devotional was amazing. We all need to remember to come to Him with everything. He wants to be our friend.
Sara says
Today’s first has been my favorite for years, but I keep forgetting it! I need to remember that He wants us to talk to him about anything and everything.
Traci Gundacker says
Thank you so much for sharing! I’m reminded each time someone shares a testimony, that the enemy is defeated by the Blood of the Lamb and the word of our training! We need to be in communion and fellowship with other believers and sharing with them-both our struggles and our victories because we never know whose life might be touched and maybe even changed forever! Praise God for what He is doing and thank You Lord for the gift of technology and the access we have to so many resources to help us in our journey of faith! This book that you’re offering sounds like a great resource and I’d love to get a copy of it. Thank you for all that you and the other Proverbs 31 ministries women give and do to help other women!! May God continue to bless you all and anoint you to spread the good news!
Melanie Stroman says
Prayer is my life line but I must admit I sometimes struggle to pray and stay focus. I love to sit with The Lord and listen to Him speak to me and most of all I love to seek Him through prayer. I would love to receive a copy of your book, however if I do not get selected to receive one free I am going to be purchasing one for my daily prayer life…Thank you so much for the time you take to share with women….we need these types of personal things to help in our every day journey….Again I say Thank you……love you much….enjoy the rest of this beautiful day that the Lord has made…..Rejoice !!!!!!!
Brandee says
Thank you for the story of your son’s growing faith. I love how God reveals things to me or helps me remember things I can’t do on my own. The little answered prayers grow faith too!
Pamela Burke says
Thank you for your sweet story. I’d love to win a copy of the book to read and share with the other women in my life!
Carol Njuguna says
I have prayed many a times for God to show me or remind me where I placed something, and love how He answers those simply prayers. Very encouraged by this particular devotion as it came at a time I have really been praying over some family issue and at some point been feeling like I should be praying for ‘more important’ matters. So beautiful to be reminded, that God cares for the very things that concern me and I can keep praying to him over them, he does not tire of hearing me. Nothing is too trivial for Him. Amen. Thank you for this. Blessings
Glenda says
Thank you for the devotion about prayer. Sometimes I wonder if some of my prayers will be answered.
Linda says
I struggle with asking God for small things. I also wonder if he gets tired of hearing the same prayer requests from me over and over again. Deep down, I know that’s silly because nothing is too small for our Lord. I would love to read this book to help gain the confidence I need in my prayer life.
Ellen Cole says
I struggle with prayer…always feeling like I don’t know how “to do it right”! I long for a richer and more confident prayer life.
KATHRYN POLLARD says
As of lately I have been feeling out of sorts with my prayer life….not the right words, to short, to long, to insignificant, all about me, not about me ; the list just goes on and on. Then yesterday I get “there is no condemnation” Prayed the Lord’s Prayer. Today I just my a freak accident read your blog….because I read an email about the little boy who lost his toy. I feel amazed how God is showing me it’s not about the words or the length of the prayer—it’s all about the heart of it. Thank you so much. Thank the Holy Spirit for guiding me. Yes I would like that book you are offering.
Rose says
What I love most about prayer is how we get to know God better because we’re in His presence. I’ve come to know God is absolutely delighted when we pour out our hearts to Him. He reveals Himself through prayer in a way we cannot learn through any other method. I spend a lot of time in prayer for others but not so much for myself. I’d love the book so I can spend more time in prayer for myself without leaving out the others.
Toni says
Thank you for your message. My heart has hurt for months over the loss of my 4 legged companion. I have felt such guilt when others have such difficult things to live through. You’ve reminded me that no matter how small God knows my heart and wants me to take my prayers to Him.
Kim says
Thank you so much for your encouraging words an the reminder that God doesn’t look for fancy words, just to connect with His children.
Jenny C. says
Thanks for the giveaway. The book looks great, and I love this post on prayer.
Mirta says
Thank you for your encouraging words. Really needed to hear this message this morning.
Monica Hanna says
Thank you for these words of encouragement! I have often said that nothing is too big or too small for God. But, I have to admit, that sometimes I forget that it’s true! I also loved the devotion. What a blessing for your son to see God in action in his life!
Brenda says
Very much needed encouragement this morning! Thank you!
Audrey says
Sometimes I sit in prayer and the words flow like a river. Other times I feel numb from the ocean of struggles from life that wash over me and there are no words, only tears. It is during these times that I need a life saver tossed to me to keep from drowning, to keep from drifting from the Lord. A prayer book would keep the undercurrents of life from pulling me down. Thank you and God bless
Susan says
What a timely and needed devotion! I loved your devotion about Jesus prayer when he raised Lazarus from the dead. His prayer was SIMPLE and yet EFFECTIVE. Thank you for words and the clarity with which you write. I am a Pastor’s wife who teaches women, and this is a timely lesson!
Misty says
I would love to win a copy of this book. I feel I could use it two ways. One way is I lead a married bible study and I feel I tell ladies all the time to pray for their spouse for different things. I feel that this book could help them. Also, I will be beginning to lead a women group and feel that this would be a wonderful bible study!
Juana says
Thank you. My family is going through a difficult situation right now. This situation points out that the only and best thing we each and as a family can do is pray and pray. This would be a great tool to share with my family.
Tynisha says
Very encouraging! I struggle with remembering God cares about the small details and to pray about everything!
Spent some time praying – great, authentic prayers- after reading and being challenged with this post!
Juli says
Encouraging words. Thank you.
Mija Higdon says
God will give me a sign and say ” didn’t get it, here’s another one” as I continue to struggle with seeing his will he will once again send another sign of his will, saying “didn’t get it, here’s another one” and he will do that faithfully until I see his signs. He is so good, and faithful and I know that he is precious. I am so thankful for him, I also know what it is like to struggle with hearing his voice, that is where faith comes in.. God is and always will be so good.
Carolyn R says
I too sometimes think my prayers are for things that are silly. I love it when our Father answers our children’s prayers though and increases their faith. It’s the best thing for a mom’s heart.
Andrea says
It feels good to know that he is there when we need him. God is my guide and counsellor and friend and so on. All I need is his love to get through anything. This story reminded me of when I was in doubt because my prayers were not being answered. God works in wonderous questionable ways. I have learned to trust in God when I need answers. Answers will come maybe not today or tomorrow or next week but he is working on and hasnt forgotten about you.
Judy F says
I love to pray & would love to read this book!
Judy F says
I love to pray and would love to read this book!
Lacie P. says
I loved hearing about what our sweet Father did for Brody!! Thank you for sharing.
Larie Cifaratta says
I just found you today through Proverbs31 site. It must have been God leading me to you though. I struggle with prayer. I make it much to complicated. Here is the weird thing about that~I teach 4th grade children every Sunday morning at our church and I find it so easy to talk to them about how to pray….I relate it as a phone conversation. You know you pick up the phone and call Grandma and what is the first thing you say: Hello and then start your conversation. It’s easy for the kids to understand and they really do think it is a neat way to practice praying. So why can’t I follow my own advice…..I just don’t know, but I have started each day in prayer hoping to get more comfortable in my conversations with God. Thank you for your encouragement.
Danielle says
I so needed this devotion tonight. Thank you! Trusting in God’s timing and being patient is so difficult.
Charletta Rupert says
I loved the faith of your little boy. It did my heart good.
Elsie says
Thank you for sharing how your child find his game. I also pray to the Lord to help me find things, to have safe travels in the car, to find a parking space etc.
Kathy says
It is so refreshing to see the aspect of prayer through the eyes of a young child. Your son’s concern over his lost game, and the lesson he learned when you prayed for it, created a valuable learning experience. I need to be like a little child learning to trust my heavenly Father to hear my petitions. I know He hears me, but doubt and self efforts can cloud the faith that God desires. Thanks for such encouraging words. I’ll be praying as a little child asking for direction and His will in all I do and say.
Chantae Thomas says
For me prayer seems trivial at times because I don’t want to go to God complaining. I know He is taking care of everything. I just want to take/complain about what is bothering me and why I am so hurt, mad, or upset. Within that prayer there may or may not be a request, but ultimately I at time feel like my simple prayer won’t do. Other times, I realize, “I am just all cried out” so to speak, so a simple prayer is all that I can utter from my lips to acknowledge His presence in my situation.
Michèle Garnett says
I’m working hard on improving my prayer life as I too have struggled with feeling that I didn’t know how to do it right and that maybe that was the reason some prayers went unanswered. By then I recently heard someone say “God answers all prayers…but, just like an earthly parent, sometimes the answer is no. So when whatever was prayed for does not come to pass, it does not mean God didn’t listen or didn’t answer, it only means that Him saying yes would have actually not been in our best interest. And just like our own children, we may not agree with or understand that decision for a while. Yet He only does what’s best for us, all the time.”
Ruth says
Thanks for the devotional. I’m really encouraged to keep praying, trusting that God always hears and answers, even if He doesn’t answer in the way we were anticipating.
Laura Gordon says
The idea of pampering my soul sounds so wonderful! I married my husband and one month later almost lost him to a tragic fall. Now we are 8 months out, coping and learning how to manage the lifelong journey we find ourselves in after a severe traumatic brain injury. <3
Barbara joyce says
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Cathy says
Thank you for your comments on prayer. My mom is my prayer warrior. I am praying and striving to be my family’s prayer warrior. My mom will be gone one day and I want my so, daughter and their children to have a prayer warrior like I have in my mom.
Judith says
Thanks so much for this encouragement. We are coping with unemployment right now, and it sometimes feels like my prayers make no difference at all. I feel like I have so much to learn about prayer!
Michele Parker says
God has really been impressing on me the importance of my prayer life recently, and I do struggle with what and how to pray. Thanks for the encouraging words!
nancys1128 says
Prayer is one of the, if not the, weakest areas of my walk. This book would be the perfect jump-start to change that.
Johnette says
I just found you and have so enjoyed what you shared today about prayer. My prayer life is usually the last on my list of to do’s. I know that I need help with finding the “right place” & the “right time” for my prayer time. Having your book should help me in centering myself in God for each day. Thank you.
Kathren Kluemper says
Thank you for sharing, it gives me hope for my grandson. We have had him on and off for the past 3 years and we have tried about everything to get him to trust in God but hearing this (even though I’ve read & know it) has given me a renewing of faith. May God bless you
Ryan says
Thank you for your encouraging words.
Jodi Palmer says
Thank you for your insight and reminding us no to complicate something that God has made simply. The love of a Father for His daughter! And the gift of being able to come to Him for everything!
Makenzie Neely says
This is so awesome to think about. I’m about to have my first child in June and I try to think of ways I want to teach him Jesus and who Jesus is and how we can come to Jesus daily. This is such a awesome example of God’s faithfulness and care for us. Sometimes our small things we don’t bring to God can be the ways he can reveal Himself the most. That He cares enough to be there for us even on the small things. So thankful for this word today!
April Gregory says
Thank you! I’m reminded that God still wants to hear from me.
Kathie Sawyer says
I’m struggling with prayers right now, my sister is in intensive care, I am praying/talking with God to heal her. I feel as if I’m doing it wrong I’m not getting any answers. I would love your book. Kathie
Gloria M.Wonzo says
My prayers are reparticious most of the time,I know they don’t have to have big fancy words, but I find myself saying the same things over and over again.I would love to have a copy of this book to aid me in my struggle.
RENEE says
THANK YOU!
Amber W says
Thank you for sharing this truth with us today! I would love a copy of your book. Blessings and aloha!
Felicia says
Thank you so much for these reminders. I struggle so much with praying because sometimes I feel as if God doesn’t hear me. I’ve revealed my deepest desires to Him, and still no progress; I feel so defeated. I hope to rebuild my relationship with God and trust that He has not forgotten about me.
Heather says
I would love to win this book to help with my prayer life, It has always been mediocre at best, I just get distracted with all of life’s daily demands and running after 2 small children, I just need to slow down and take a few minutes to just be and to listen for my sweet saviors voice.
thank you
Beth Andrews says
Thank you for your post. I am in a very dry place right now, and it is largely because I cannot pray. I faithfully kept prayer journals for years and years, but even that is so hard to do right now. I can’t pinpoint the problem, I don’t know why I can’t pray, but I desperately miss that sweet communion.
Sharon says
Thank you for sharing this seems like I struggle more in my prayers than any where else. But I’m learning prayer is only talking to my Father.
Brenda says
I just started writing in a prayer journal and told some of my girl friends that I wanted to pray more this summer. We decided to watch War Room together and see what God would do this summer. The next day, my devotion was about prayer. The next Sunday our pastor introduced a series on prayer. Then I received a link to this post in my e-mail. I think God is not-so-subtly trying to send me a message!
Jenica Lopez says
Thank you for the encouragement. i often think, Am i praying the correct way? But no matter how I pray, He always shows Himself to let me know He has heard me. I look forward to receiving a copy of your book so that I can grow and improve in my prayer life
Diane says
Thank you for sharing this morning, i really needed those encouraging words, i have written those verses, and plan concentrate and meditate on them, right now we are waiting for my son to go to trial, we have been waiting for over a year. was suppose to go May 9, day after Mother’s Day, and trial was rescheduled for end of June, so please keep us in prayer, i know that God has great plans for my son, he has always trusted in God, and is very faithful, i admire that he continues to obey and follow Him, no matter the circumstances.
Pam says
Thank you for your special story. I am always loosing things and sometimes I think God must be saying , “oh boy, here she goes again!”; however, He always answers for me! As a mom and soon to be grandma, I find prayer time to be a bit overwhelming because there is so much to pray for, so I often pick a few things each day. Rarely though do I think to pray for myself! Sounds like a wonderful book!
Eileen says
God has recently sidelined me by needing surgery for a detached retina… Will be out of work for a few weeks ..I can see how God is already using this to help me reset my priorities …this would be a wonderful book to be able to read (with my one good eye 😎)… I had already bought the book once before but gave it away before having a chance to read it …
Ashley Chimonas says
I struggle with prayer..I find myself always running around and doing something that I don’t take the time to stop and pray or even pray as I go. I’m trying to learn that I don’t have to close my eyes, bow my head to pray. I can just talk to him. I loved your post today! Thank you.
Krystin Combs says
I loved your story about how you and your son prayed to God about his lost toy. And your sons response that Jesus told him it was in his sleeping bag. What a lovely story of how your son was touch by and heard, Jesus answering his own prayer.
De says
What a great message. Thank you. Would love a copy of your book.
Toni says
Thank you for this timely blog post today, Leah. My husband and I are going through some really stressful times together, feeling the pain of loss of some of his/our dreams. I needed this reminder that God cares about even the smallest things that concern us. <3
Glenda says
My favorite memory I have of my maternal grandmother was when I was like 7 waking up asking her what she was doing: She replied, “I am talking to my Friend.” She went on to explain she was praying to Jesus. I remember she looked so peaceful; and I think, what a great way to start the day. I wish I didn’t complicate my prayer life. I liked this devotion and would love to win your book. Thanks for “listening.” 🙂
Rachel Hunter says
Thank you for this. I’ve always been a little intimidated by praying because I grew up hearing very long and drawn out prayers. That’s definitely not my style and I’ve always been afraid that I’m not praying the “right” way. It’s always nice to be reminded that God will listen no matter which words I use or how long it takes me to say them. I would love a copy of this book!
Lauren says
Thank you for the reminder today! It is so amazing that we have a God who listens to our worries and concerns and provides us with healing and just the right moment of clarity.
Rena says
Yes, prayer is simple. We complicate so much…
Faith says
Lean,
Thank you for writing this blog for today. Wow, you hit on target what I have struggled with in thoughts about praying. Am grateful to have been signed up for your inspiring words and would like my name put in the drawing for a chance to win your book.
Melissa says
Please enter me in the giveaway. Thank you.
Ann Marie Castillo says
I would love to win a copy of this book to help me improve on my daily prayer life.
Many Thanks.
A J Neill says
I like to believe that my ongoing conversation with God each day is my personal way of praying. It is very comforting to me and many of my prayers (thoughts) are answered very quickly and some take a bit more time. Thank you for sharing your talents.
Juli Cason says
I’d love to win this book!
Cheryl says
Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and guidance. My soul needs refreshing. I’m having the hardest time staying focused while praying.
Shannon says
Such a great reminder to keep praying! We are going through a lot right now as a family (my husband has left) and this is something that has really been helpful with my children! Just talk to God and give it to him no matter how big or small it is!
Bonnie says
I needed this so much today! Thank you!
Terri Simmons says
Just what I needed today. A reminder to call on my GOD, the One Who Sees Everything!! (Even the small everyday life stuff). Remembering to wait on God to answer us and not take things into our own hands can be hard.
Praying can also be hard. We so often think we have to use “fluffy” words. Pouring out our heart to God in our “normal words” is what I have to remember.
stephanie bomer says
I am currently working on enhancing my prayer life. This book would be a wonderful resource.
Heather Britain says
What a wonderful gentle reminder. The book sounds amazing ❤️
Mona says
Love this.
Cheri says
Thank you, Leah. I needed this reminder today.
Lori says
Great reminders here. Thank you.
Heidi F says
Thank you for this 🙂
Rebekah says
I love the story about praying with Brody. Our son is just over a year, so I’m wanting to instill the importance of prayer to him. We have friends that stop and pray with their little ones when they hear sirens. Thank you for caring about the things that matter to us Lord, even when it seems small.
April says
Love the encouraging words you share with women … thanks for sharing your gift of writing and ministry to women!
Jen says
I am starting the last leg on my journey to become a registered nurse. I know that GOD has been with me every step of the way. Prayer is probably my biggest area of weakness and I have vowed to do what it takes to strengthen it starting today. This book looks like it will be a good tool to have to do just that. Thanks!
Eileen says
I have been a nurse for a long time …prayer is your best tool …praying for you today
Dori Sheese says
Thank you for the reminder to pray simple prayers – ask for what you need in the moment prayers. God Bless!
Brittney says
I too struggle with my prayer life. I am glad to see that I am not in this alone. I sometimes think that I have to say these more than grand prayers when I realize that I don’t.
carylkane says
Leah,
Thank you for this encouraging post. The Lord doesn’t want lofty, complicated prayers. He wants a relationship with us. To talk with Him as we would a friend. Blessings to you. 🙂
Jessika Michaelangelo says
Thank you for this positive reminder, what a blessing it was to me today! I always feel like my words are inadequate, so it was good to be reminded that despite my stumbling, God knows my heart.
I would love to be entered to win this book, as well!
Angela says
Leah – thank you for your message today! My two sisters and I received Encouragement for Today and often share our thoughts after reading in the morning. Today we all agreed – we needed this! If I was selected for your book give away – there would be 3 of us who would read it! 🙂
Becky says
Thank you for this excellent post – Loved it.
Stephanie Burnham says
Praying my sweet precious toddler starts sleeping better before I lose my mind. 😉
I always feel ridiculous asking God for help in that when so many terrible things happen all over the world.
Candice Bailey says
Prayer is definitely an area I would like to develop more. Thank you for the reminder that God wants us to come just as we are and I don’t have to worry about using “the right words” when I pray.
Arica says
I’ve had many moments where I just speak to God and ask lots of questions, not really expecting an answer. I like to accept them and just know that if I have the answer or not doesn’t change my outlook on life. Then I’m pleasantly surprised when i receive an answer. Most times He has to remind me what He is answering as I like to ask a lot of questions. However there are days that I want to get caught up on the way that I pray to him. This book would be nice to have.
Jen says
I have been struggling with mental illness most my life, and chronic pain for the last year and a half. I often pray, seeking God’s wisdom. This devotion was very helpful for me. It is a great reminder that sometimes we get our answers right away but sometimes there is a period of waiting, but through it all we can be sure God has our best interests in mind.
Elaine Nunn says
Always amazes me when a reminder to pray more and ask for less is so meaningful to me. But your devotion today was spot on. My pray train needs to get back on track. Thanks for the help, and I would love to have Julie’s book
Kimberly says
Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us. I’m struggling with sitting in His presence. I’m praying but I can’t seem to hear Him. Thank you for your reminder. God bless your day!
Darlene Miller says
This word came at just the right time as so many other times. Having breakfast with my 9 year old started reading this out loud and my granddaughter said i know that story we heard about it in Sunday school, so she actually finished the story and it put so much joy in my heart knowing she really is listening and growing in her faith and we prayed together. I can’t think of a better way to start the day.
Thank you
Rebecca L. says
Thanks for the reminder about praying for everything, it is so important and so easily forgotten in everyday life.
Heather Sherwood says
Thank you for this. I needed to hear this today. God Bless!
Rebecca says
I have to say that after watching War Room and starting the Acts study with First 5, I’m more encouraged to pray, but its still a struggle. I remember many years ago being such a prayer warrior and I just let life get in the way that I struggle on a daily basis with prayer. It would be amazing to have fire again. Thank you for the opportunity to allow us to share our struggles and praises with you on this blog. God bless!
Kimberly says
I pray God gives you passion and fire as you desire. He loves you😍
Susan Keeney says
In July I am in charge of a two-day retreat at a Women’s Prison here in Virginia, for Kairos Prison Ministry, and God showed me over the past few weeks that PRAYER needs to be the focus of this upcoming retreat. I have been looking for a foundation, from which talks can be given on specific subjects surrounding prayer. Many of the women who will be attending are not comfortable praying, maybe never done it before now, but they have gone through the ministry and are seeking God’s heart. In the dark corners of prison, God does some of His best work, and I hope to bring Prayer to these ladies who are in great need of getting close to our Father’s heart, and letting Him take over theirs. Maybe I saw this devotion today with His guidance. I have been struggling and praying about what resource to use, with no money budgeted but God leading the way. Please pray for the retreat which will be July 9 & 10 at Fluvanna Correctional Center for Women in Troy, VA. Thank you!!
Kimberly says
Precious Lord, we humbly come before You and ask You to go before Susan and her group going to the prison. Please prepare the way. Heavenly Father, please bring power, boldness and self discipline as You promise in 2 Timothy 1:7. I pray You bring light and hope to the ladies who are lost, lonely and hurting. Thank You, Lord for Your miraculous work. In Your precious name we join together and pray. Amen🤗
Susan Keeney says
Oh, THANK you, Kimberly. Indeed He DOES perform great miracles in this prison, and others, by breaking open hardened hearts to let the light of Christ and Holy Spirit enter and redeem. It is sometimes breathtaking, and always humbling, to see Him at work in that place. Bless you and yours, thank you again for the prayer, sweet lady.
Yvonne Page says
My daughters are young, but I try to always teach them the importance of prayer. Once we prayed for a spelling test and when my daughter came home to tell me that she passed I almost cried. I remind her often that God cares about all the things we care about. It warms my mom heart to see how my daughter is in awe when God hears her.
Julie says
I love the reminder that if something is important to us, it is important to God. He is the One who knows us inside and out, why wouldn’t we “cast all our cares on Him.” I’m so thankful for an Almighty, personal God Who cares.
Janice says
Thank you for your great reminder today. Prayer is powerful and it can just be pouring your heart out to our Lord.
melissa says
I am struggling in my prayer life at the moment. I am not oraying throughout the day like I used to. It has become a chore rather than a conversation with the One I love. I need revival in this area!!
Barb says
Sweet reminder of the lavish love He has for us.
Pam says
Thank you Lotd for Leah’s reminder of the power of prayer. God, You are so good!
Reba says
Thank you for the childlike perspective of prayer to remind us that any request matters to our God.
Sara says
Thank you for this encouragement to pray and trust God for the answers. I have recently been struggling with needing parenting wisdom for me and my husband. We both struggle to turn control of our child over to God for safety and security. This reminds me that He cares about her even more than we do!
sandra boelter says
Leah,
Thank you for your devotional today. I really needed to hear it. I’ve been struggling with changing jobs, but not sure if God wants me to. I’ve been praying for an answer and haven’t received an answer yet. I work with special needs students and my body is getting tired having to meet their physical needs. I have hurt my back and not able to work right now so is this God telling me to move on with a new job? Please pray for me. I’d love to read your book and learn how to pray for myself more. Thank You and God Bless
Debbie Herbst says
Thank you. what precious reminder that praying and listening for God’s answer is the way to live. Thinking of friend and family member who could use dose of God’s mending for their souls, in place of striving.
Melissa says
Prayer is so important and such a precious gift from our Lord!
Kathy Richmond says
I so needed to read these words this morning. Sometimes I think, how can I burden the Lord with what seems so trivial considering what others are dealing with….cancer, death,financial worries….and this reminded me that during my troubles He is there and during the good times He is there. Nothing is too big or small.
Jessica McKamie says
Thank you! My heart needed this reminder today!
Deborah Harden says
Hallelujah, Thank You Jesus for hearing all our Prayers. I am registering for the drawing. Thank you.
Temitope Asemota says
Thank you Encouragement for Today for leading me to this blog! I feel so much at ease when I reads things like this to let me know that even if I am not a prayer warrior, God listens. I hope one day I can be a prayer warrior but for now, I will keep talking to my Father as is…. like a conversation with my best friend of life!
Esteffanny Lambert says
I would love a copy.
Jill Carilli says
Thank you for keeping it simple. And reminding us that we don’t need to be anxious about talking to God and making our feelings and requests known. Speak to Him the way you would speak to a Best Friend and it takes all the pressure off.
Lauren says
I love this.
Kim Bowen says
This is wonderful
Lafondra Howard says
I would really love to have this book, I love to learn of God and hear from Him and pray to my king. I want to grow stronger in my prayer life and I hope im not to late to enter to receive one of these copies, but if i dong i believe i want to purchase something so valuable when i can thank you for alloewing me a chance at least may God continue to answer His people when we pray. Love and peace to you!
Chris says
Thank you so much for this. It was just what I needed at this time
Callie Childs says
Wonderful! I’d love to know how to cover myself with prayer regularly. Everyone can always use more simplified prayer! Thank you for this reminder that no matter the size of the worry or request it’s important to Jesus because it’s important to us. 🙂
Diana says
Proverbs 31 Encouragement for today is a very sweet lesson. Would love to have Julie Gillies’ book for my daughter.
Michelle W says
Thank you for writing this. I’m rediscovering my faith and am juggling a lot of balls in the air right now. I’m always looking for prayers or words, thoughts and scriptures to help me u sweat and my struggles and understand Gods plan for me . Revealing his plan and then waiting has Gwen my biggest struggle thus far. Thank you for making it real for me.
Lori Wright says
Thank you Leah! Great message! I can always use help with my prayer life and this book looks like a wonderful tool!
Alaida Smith says
I need all the help I can get with my prayer life. Thank you for your words.
Melissa Visser says
Thank you! Prayer is powerful! I am very interested in studying all I can on prayer and put it into practice.
LaTonya says
What an excellent reminder today’s message was. You’re absolutely correct prayers to God are not like a math formula. You don’t add A+B and get C, because His ways are not our ways, so the outcome is always going to be what we need and not necessarily what we thought we wanted.
Courtney says
Close to 2 months ago, I decided that I wanted, & needed, to start having “quiet time” w/ God every morning. What was hard & seemed like a chore at first, has now become an enjoyable must. It’s been about 5 weeks since I, really, started being very determined to not skip a day, even if I had to break my time up into smaller chunks bc of something, involving my girls or an appt., changing my daily routine. While very proud of myself for actually sticking with something, which btw is very rare for me, I still have quite a long way to go.
Right now, I’m working & concentrating, mainly, on my prayer life & my communication w/ God. I think this book would be a great help!
Carol says
I have been a Christian my whole life, still lately I find myself thinking that since God knows everything why pray. I need a constant reminder that prayer is more about my relationship with God.
Neikeita Mitchell says
Wonderful reminder that it is so easy to come to God. We often over think things which cause us to shut God out.
Tricia says
Thank you. I needed to hear this today.
Shanna Wells says
It’s a good reminder that God listens to us no matter what we come to Him with. Big or small, what’s important to us is important to Him! Thank you for that 🙂
Kate says
Such a simple explanation for something I struggle with, we hate to appear silly and simple to our Lord, but He loves us in the simple.
Polly Schneider says
I really needed to hear this message today. I am really struggling right now. My husband has Parkinson’s and dementia. It is so hard to watch him lose parts of himself like this. We need prayers for the whole family. I would love to win this book.
Patricia says
I would love a copy of your book. I struggle with prayers at times and wonder if I am saying the right thing for God to hear them. This book could help me. Thanks for showing me that its not what or how, but believing. This book could help me understand the meaning of prayers and how important it is.
Jessica Cornejo says
I’m incredibly grateful to have stumbled across your blog via P31 Ministries. Your story about Brody’s lost game was a reminder that God is always listening to my prayers. I have had an unanswered prayer in my heart for some time, and like you told your son, God determines the time at which that prayer will be answered. Thank you.
Rita says
My children are adults now and I still find myself on my knees praying for them. Thank you for reminding me how precious my prayers are to our heavenly father. I would love a copy of your book.
Rita says
My children are adults now and I still found myself on my knees praying for them. Thank you for reminding me how precious my prayers are to our heavenly father, I would love to have a copy of your book.
Tanya says
Thank you for this wonderful message.
Ginell Wright-Ramos says
I need this book ma’am. I need God’s help and my prayers seem so ineffective. I’m going to try to keep that verse in Jeremiah close to my heart today. Thank you for entering me into the drawing.
Isabel fernandez says
Would love your book ! I sometimes feel, I am not praying as I should . Thank you
Elaine Segstro says
Thank you for this reminder! I so often try to do things on my own, and only go to God in prayer as a last resort when my efforts fail.
Beth scarbrough says
Wow…just what I needed thank you can’t wait to read the book
Nancy says
This would b an answer to prayer… Intercesory prayer is a desire of mine but I often don’t pray on demand with people because words don’t come to me easily… Even just simple words… They r in my heart but it’s getting them to my mind and out of my mouth that makes me feel inadequate in praying for others and myself… It’s like staring at a blank page… It’s very frustrating cause I know what’s in my heart yet have such a difficult time getting them out!
Katie S. says
Prayer is something that I definitely have a hard time being disciplined with! I so appreciated your devotional today about coming to God with even our smallest burdens. It’s good to be reminded that He loves us so much that even the trivial things matter to Him.
Susan P says
My bible study group was just discussing this very topic on Monday. We are working on a Christian weight loss bible study and were discussing how it’s so easy to fall into the trap of “my concern isn’t very important, i don’t think i should bother God with it” mentality and then we were discussing how very silly that attitude is for the God who numbers the very hairs on our heads. God tells us to pay boldly and confidentially and that he cares about everything in our lives. Your devotion this morning was spot on. Thank you for your confirming words of faith. I’d love to have your book to study more about the gift of prayer. Blessings to you on your continued work.
LRF says
Definitely would like to read this book. I really needed the devotional today. I’m trying to keep the verse from Jeremiah, that you shared, at the fore front of my thoughts. Lots to think on and with God’s help I will pray more faithfully.
embo77 says
You’re so right. Nothing is too small for God! I love today’s devotion!
Thank you for sharing your Brody story! I wish I could’ve seen his eyes light up when he found his treasured toy! 🙂
Chantel says
Wonderful thoughts today. Thank you
jody hammons says
I am learning in my later years how important prayer is. I am bathing in God’s word more and more. I have learned to pray about enerything and often but there is always more to learn about our Lord and prayer.
Christine says
By the way, the scripture in Jeremiah should be 33:3, not 3:33. 🙂
Rebecca Hughes says
Hello!
As I read your blog I thought of the hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer”… “sweet hour of prayer that calls me from a world of care and bids me at My Father’s throne make all my wants and wishes known.”
Christine says
Just what I needed today when I am facing a big work issue. This encouraged me to ask God for help. My problem like the others, is trusting after I ask. However, I am encouraged after reading this that God wants to and will help me with this struggle. Thank you for your post.
Shirley zimmerman says
Prayer…the beautiful communication between God and man. Thoughts of thansgiving in all things become prayer unspoken but felt as hands are raised in blessed adoration to the King.
Sharon+C. says
Thank you for devotion about prayers today. I know prayers are so important for our walk with God. I struggle with the words to say. I think having the book “Prayers for a Woman’s Soul” would be so helpful. I appreciate your giveaway.
Alison Hoeh says
I would love to win this book. I think this is where I struggle with most. I want to be able to pray out loud when people ask me to instead of stumbling and clamming up.
Michelle says
Hi Leah!
Your devotional brought me to tears! I loved it! Thank you! I do the same thing when I can’t find something and Jesus always answers! I don’t seem to have trouble praying in private but struggle praying out loud in front of people. I recently started a life group at my church and get so nervous starting the group with prayer. I have been prayerfully asking the Lord for help with this and I got this email showing me this book! Thank you Jesus once again! And thank you again Leah for your devotional today!
Kim says
I’m definitely struggling with pray at the present time. My sister was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer and I’ll be honest, I feel as though my prayers aren’t going any further than the ceiling of the room I’m in when praying. I would love a copy of your book.
Sonya says
Thank you for your post, I read your devotion on Prov 31’s site.
Kathy says
Talking to Jesus is such a blessing! He knows our thoughts evenbefore we pray. Just as the woman was healed just by touching the hem of His garment, we should pray with confidence in God’s power and mercy and grace!
Kristin Watson says
I often pray for others in need and not myself. This book would be such a blessing for me to read during my quiet time🙏🏻
Dawn says
I have struggled with prayer for a long time. Trying too hard to be genuine and honest, I’m learning to remember that God already knows my needs. I was surprised that this book description said it was about covering ourselves in prayer as women. I’m sure I’m not alone in praying for struggling kids or a stressed out husband, but for me it’s harder to pray for myself.
Amy Adams says
Oh my goodness, thank you for your devotion today! All my life I’ve struggled with whether or not my thoughts, concerns, and prayers are really worth God’s time and attention. Especially when there are so many “bigger” issues God must be taking care of, my prayers often seem “trivial”, to me anyway. I would LOVE a copy of the book, Prayers for a Woman’s Soul, to help me along in this struggle. And to share with my husband, children, family and friends. Thanks, Leah for your ministry!
Pam says
I’ve been struggling with prayer for such a long time now. I get so distracted when I try to pray. My mind bounces all over the place. I can use all the help I can get. Thank you for your wonderful words of encouragement.
Kim says
Thank you for the reminder about taking it to God in prayer. He is there for the small and the big, they are all the same to him. He just wants us to come to him. I love starting each day with a quiet time with him.
Sharon says
No matter how long it takes to get an answer God is always faithful. Thank you for affirming that.
Anna says
Sometimes the simplest prayers are the most effective when they are truly from the heart. Thank you for today’so devotional.
Wanda Carlton says
I dont struggle with asking God in prayer for anything… my struggle comes in the faith step – in the answer. Like Brody in the story God told him to look in his sleeping bag. But what if Brody had said, “nah… it cant be there, why would it be there?” and not looked? Thats me. I pray asking God to show me, and when he does… I discount it. Thank you for this today.
Cathy Aldrich says
I have been shown the power of prayer lately in wonderful ways. We must remember to pray regularly about all things. Thank you for the reminder.
Deena k says
Thanks for the great post today!
Marti says
I struggle in group prayer. I feel self conscious. From this post, I really felt like God wants to teach me to have “prayer confidence” behind closed door and with the doors open for others to hear. I know our words don’t need to be perfect, and I know he will supply me with this small request to pray boldly! Thanks for sharing, and the book sounds very helpful! Blessings, Marti.
Deborah says
Thank you for sharing! May we always remember Who we are praying to to help us trust and boost our faith, but come to Him with open humble hearts! I am always in awe of the fact that He has made it possible for me to come to Him at all, the Lord and Creator of all the universe!! Wow!
Shawna Jones says
Good morning Family! Thank you for this wonderful timely message. God bless you in the name of Jesus! thank you sis for reminding us God wants to be in communication with his children, urgent and not so urgent…..often. In all things seek God in prayer. Hallelujah.
Very Best Life begin, Shawna Jones
Lindsey says
Great reminder to go to God with both the big and the small things and to live out and model this type of prayer life for our kids.
Donna Hager says
Thanks for the encouragement. I would love a copy of your book as I struggle with praying to our Father.
karon fluharty says
Thanks for your great post today. People thing praying is this big complicated event, It’s not, it’s for us to quietly pray to our Father our needs and ask for guidance, etc. to have our prayer fulfilled. WE need to believe and have faith God will provide our needs and answers to our prayers in His time and how He sees fit to answer them. I know patience will get me through some times where I want the ‘instant’ prayer answered now. However, God will show me when and where the prayer is answered. Please have that patience too.
Nancy Martinez says
These “trivial” prayers with our children (and the answers) are foundational to their faith!
Dee says
I am refreshed by your blog on prayer. My day always goes better when I begin it in quiet solitude with the Lord.
Amy Bolduc says
What a timely post! I struggle with the sheer numbers of prayer needs in my own immediate family. I wish I had one of those neat little reset buttons(like on my vacuum cleaner) that made my prayer life organized and effective!
Monica Pimentel says
This book will help me in going to God first instead of handling my own problems. Prayer changes everything.
Dolly says
Thank you for reminding me, how important praying is to my life, and how I feel lost without my conversations with God!! Amen
Rosie Clark says
I have found that God hear us when we call out to Him with a sincere heart. Prayers don’t have to be in any form or fashion.But you must believe by faith that God will answer your prayers because He is faithful.
Emily Maska says
Thank you. Be blessed.
Cindy Herrington says
I would love a copy of this book. I long to enrich my prayer life with my father.
Julie says
Needed this today. Thank you!
Angie says
Such inspiration. I do struggle at times with prayer. As the hymn states “Take it to the Lord in prayer”. I don’t many times I think it is to trivial and try to handle it myself. Thank you. I am putting this book at the top of my to do list.
Jodi Martin says
I want my prayers to be a conversation with God, not just empty words. Thank you for your teaching on prayer today.
Jill says
I struggle with prayer because I have attention deficit disorder and lose focus so often. I feel so inadequate because of this and often feel as if I’m not heard. I want so much to improve my prayer life.
Phyllis says
Needed this today. Thank you.
Denise Layton says
This was so helpful to me today. I often wonder if I’m praying for the right things. Sometimes I think I just pray the same prayers over and over. I would love to have a copy of the book.
Tammy says
Thank you for reminding us that God wants to hear everything even if it dies seem small to us. I’ve been trying to teach the same with my son but as an adult it’s easy to forget.
Caroline Livingston says
Please register me for the book drawing!!!!!
Lisa says
Loved your devo which led me to your blog. So glad I found it! Thank you.
Carrie says
Can never get enough encouragement in this area…. Thank you!
A mother says
It’s so hard to have faith sometimes. I have a daughter in an abusive marriage who won’t leave out of fear that he will get unsupervised visits of their small child. I pray and pray about this but she won’t leave and he isn’t changing. I know God hears but it’s so hard to have faith on this.
Tammy Trietch says
Lord, help me to remember to call on You for the small daily crises that I face.
Christina says
In this season in my life I am having so much trouble praying. I am trying, but not feeling secure. I have no problem praying for others. I believe a copy of this book would help me. Thank you !
Laura says
I often forget the power of prayer and how important it is to our relationship with God. I would love to own a tool that could help me to pray to God earnestly throughout the day even for small things that seem insignificant. And also for those big things that I have no answers For. I want to learn how to turn to God in every circumstance to acknowledge Him in praise or ask Him for help.
Veronica says
Thank you for your post! I received an email from Proverbs 31 and will now follow your blog as well!
Katelin says
Prayer is something I have been working on a lot lately. Some days are harder than others. Some days I forget that just because God has not answered my prayers immediately or in the way that I want he does still hear me. And he does care.
Stephanie says
What a timing Leah ! These past few weeks, I have been struggling with my prayers even though I know there isn’t an incorrect way. Also, lately I’ve had the urge to pray for some folks in public, but have not yet the courage.
Thank you.
Jeannie says
Leah,
Growing deeper in my prayer life is exactly what I was praying about just a few minutes ago! Thank you for your encouraging words that spoke volumes to my heart! May God bless you as your words have blessed me this morning!
Debbie says
Thank You. I often feel this isn’t big enough to pray for. Thank you for reminding me everything is important.
Tamara says
sounds like a wonderful book. I feel I pray and speak to God often but I realized when I am in the midst of the struggle, conversation, moment I forget to pause and ask God for the words and wisdom to carry me through ~ thank you for the reminder ~ I NEED you Lord ~always especially in the midst of the trial ~ God bless you `
Laura Brown says
This is so timely – just as I am ready to quit, give up and figure God has just left me, I read this. He always knows just what we need when we need it, even if we don’t ask for it. But like any Good Father (and let’s face it – He’s better than Good, He’s the Best!) wants his children to ask, that’s all we have to do.
Desiree Melnychenko says
I have always found it easy to pray for someone else. Once I became a mother I was always praying for the children. A friend at church pointed out to me that I never prayed for myself. Using the analogy of a flight attendant who instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first so you can help others made me understand that praying for yourself, even if it is trivial, is important.
Kathy says
Leah,
Thank you for sharing your insight through your devotions. My prayer time is often a struggle for me especially if I am praying for myself. It is much easier to pray for others.
Samantha Smith says
This is so timely for me. I wonder about my prayers not being good enough all of the time. I just need to be real before God and trust Him to answer! Thank you!
Tracey says
I’ve been looking for a book on prayer, maybe this is the one! I want to grow in my prayer life especially in the area of stepping up and praying for others with them, not just on my own. Prayer is a powerful thing and it’s an amazing feeling to know deep in your heart that you were heard by Him.
Aprila says
In these past few months I’ve felt such a distance for God. I feel as though my prayers are not going pass the roof. I try to focus and it’s as if so many other things come to mind.
I even get discouraged in this and often times don’t want to pray. Feeling like my prayers are so mediocre, God didn’t hear and won’t attend into my prayers. I wish I could kick start my prayer life to
Make it effective, where truly I know that Hod hears my prayer.
Chelsee says
I would love this book! My prayer life is an area I want to strengthen and I also want to be an example to my children.
Martha says
Your words were wonderful today. I am committed to my morning devotional time and spending time reading the Bible, but feel that actually praying could use improvement. Some days I just rattle off a list, others I don’t say a prayer. I would love this book. Thank you!
Tara says
I had always been saying “I know it’s not a big deal but” and stating my prayer. I stopped this a few months ago when I devoted myself fully. Now I pray all the time, I am not sure effectively. Pretty much He and I are BFF as I drive around or clean the kitchen. I just talk and pray to him. I often wonder do I pray too much or can I keep praying the same thing even if I trust because he knows my heart anyways so why lie and skip what I already prayed for. I am grateful for the studies and devotions as well as blogs to go to until we move And find our church home. Then the questions are on for someone wiser!
Leslie says
This book would be a blessing. I am currently in the midst of family and health struggles and raising two small children. Sometimes the prayer I want to pray seems so small in the midst of the big that is going on around me. I would love a different perspective.
Jessica Kidd says
For me praying has always seemed difficult, I was and sometimes still am that person who feels that the little things are too much of a burden and that i should be able to handle them on my own. When God wants me to trust him not only with the big things but the small things as well. I get all tongue tied especially if I am praying outloud around. people.
Kemie Brown-Vansant says
Thank you for your simple, effective words. I long to have conversations with Jesus more effectively.
Jan says
Hi Leah,
Scripture tells us:
“And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.” 1 John 5:15 (NIV)
So simple and so beautifully true. Of course, we must have faith…not big faith but faith as a grain of mustard seed!
Thank you for your encouragment in Jehovah’s Word.
Have a beautiful weekend!
Terri says
This book would be such a blessing for me. Thank you for your message and wisdom to all the women that read your blog.
Christy says
Thank you for your encouraging words though today’s Proverbs 31 devotion and your blog. Now that my Bible study is over, I feel that I have lost my focus in prayer and your words helped to guide me closer to Him today. This is a reminder how to simply ask for God’s presence every day. I would love to be entered in the drawing for your book and I look forward to reading it. God bless you!
Jacci says
I just was reading the last part of Job & it talked about how the Lord blessed him so much in Job’s latter days. I was struck by verse 10: “and the Lord restored Job as he prayed for his friends.” I love that because sometimes it’s much easier for me to pray for others rather than myself. This verse (& this post!) reminds me that JESUS knows what I need & He hears my heart & He restores me as I pray–in bigger & better ways than I could even ask for! Praise God!
Christy Saladino says
I would love a copy of this book to enrich my prayer life!
LaNeal Alred says
I need this book worse than I’ve ever needed anything!
Ginny Ledyard says
I’ve always felt like I wasn’t spiritual enough, because I couldn’t spend hours praying. Most of my praying is done throughout the day, as people, problem and situations come to mind. I’d like to believe that every prayer counts!
Connie says
I would love to read this book. Thanks for your consideration.
God Bless
Mary says
Rough week. Thank u for devotional.
Angel Cutshall says
Thank you for the encouraging words. Love the reminder to just pray and not focus on the words but who we are praying to!
Mary says
This is encouraging!! I’m a person of few words and often struggle with praying for lack of words. Thank you for reminding me that I don’t need many words to pray
Marcia Whaley says
Good morning –
thank you for a wonderful devotion on Proverbs 31. This book seems outstanding and timely.
Thank you for this devotion, as it is timely. We all could use help in our prayer life. Below is my prayer…….
Oh my dearest Lord, Father of all creation – please help guide my brother and I on what to do so we can get my parents house sold (they both recently passed away). I lay it down, at your throne and I entrust you with it all. I lift this up to you. In Jesus’s Name, Amen.
Shanel says
Thank you for this message. This book will help strengthen an area in my life where I struggle and want to improve. Thanks for the consideration.
Julie says
Super excited to have found this blog! Thanks! And I’d absolutely love to have a copy of the prayer book. We do over think prayer, we over think everything. God just needs us to open our hearts to Him. If only we can realize He just needs us as we need Him prayer may be less intimidating. Just maybe! ❤️
Wendy Condo says
Thank you🙏
Teresa jay says
I talk with God all during the day and have caught myself talking aloud in the supermarket asking Him a question.
Glenn says
Thanks. I needed this.
Stacey says
We have two boys and our youngest wasn’t expected to live with all of his health concerns. Trusting in God from day 1 has been the only way we have been able to successfully overcome the trials we have faced. I enjoyed your devotion today on Proverbs 31 and appreciate the reminder to ask God of anything because he cares. He does care and he has blessed us abundantly. May you be blessed today!
Peggy Kirk says
Thank you. I have been praying and trying to encourage my adult daughter (she’s going through a difficult time right now). This devotion was right on target. I would love to have the book for my daughter!
Debbie says
Thank you for sharing this devotional today. It is what we all need to hear everyday.
I would love to win a copy of this book to share with my daughter.
Becky says
I have a new little lady in my life, my adopted daughter, 9 years old, who I am teaching about prayer! I would love to have a copy of this book to further increase my knowledge and ways in prayer. Thanks for your beautiful devotion!
Jamie Bellis says
Thank you
Tracey Shanks says
Thank you for these refreshing words!
Elizabeth says
I have recently had God answer a prayer I used to wouldn’t have felt like I could ask Him. It is so amazing that He cares for those small things in our lives!
Cathy Spiten says
I have struggled with praying the proper words. Thank you for sharing that our Heavenly Father listens to us even when all we can say is “Help me Father.”
Patsy says
Praying always brings me closer to God. So thankful to know that he is always listening, always loving me. Would love a copy of this book!
Cindy says
A great reminder that in this crazy world The Creator of the universe not only will listen but wants to hear from us.
Lisa O'Quinn says
I tend to complicate my prayers. Even though I have learned grace, it is still easy to slip back into the pattern of praying by a formula or with the feeling that if I can do it the “right”way, it will be more effective. I so want to be a godly woman of prayer, but it seems like there is so much to pray for and I get so overwhelmed by it all instead of trusting in God and actually talking to Him.
Carrie N. says
Prayer is the one thing I need more of. I get so caught up in my life and forget to slow down and talk to God about everything, even the small things!
Therese Roys says
Just having those thoughts this morning, bothering God with small things. Thank you for reminding me that if it is on my mind, then the Lord cares!
Janet Roads says
In the still of the early morning, before the day starts I am so thankful to know God hears my prayers for the day.
Marcia says
Thank you for the reminder to bring ALL things to God in prayer. I get lost in myself and forget to reach out to my almighty Savior!
Sharon says
Thank you for such an important reminder.
Ann Dell says
I had been struggling with a debilitating migraine for two days until this morning. I read your devotion from Proverbs 31 and I took your suggestion to pray for what was on my mind. There have been many situations at work that have been stressful, so I was prayed about them in detail, recounting and reliving every awful event on my lips, and asked God to be with me today at work and to give me peace. Miraculously, at that very moment my pain went away. Thank you for your timely message and thank God for His faithfulness!
Sharon Verner says
Thank you for the devotional that was sent to my inbox today. It was very timely. God is so good!!
Mitzi Glasgow says
Thank you for your message & for the generous offer to give away the book. One of my best friends & myself are going through simultaneous struggles with ill fathers. We often discuss our prayers. As wives, mothers & now caregivers the struggle is real to maintain focus during prayer time. After 40 days in an ICU hospital setting with my dad, I often find myself falling to sleep during quiet prayer time. I would appreciate reading a book devoted to women & our prayer time.
Andrea Isip says
It’s so great to hear someone share something so fresh. Please send me a copy of the book that I can use in my daily life and share with the women in my life group. Many thanks.
Natalie Jones says
Hello-registering for the drawing. I have 2 littles and finding a quiet place in the day to talk to God is hard. However, it has certainly given me something to consider. Thank you.
Linda Fern says
What a wonderful teaching today! Thank you.
Sandra Ainoo says
Hello Leah,
Please I have always struggle to pray and thought of what is the right way but I just read your blog and saw there is no right or wrong way but only believing. I will have a copy of this book to help me improve on my daily prayer life, thank you